A Fairytale Roche Harbor Wedding: Drew and Lauren

Lauren and Drew’s wedding at Roche Harbor Resort on San Juan Island will always be one of those days I think about with a full heart. It had all the elements I love most as a photographer: an incredible waterfront location, a couple who was completely present with each other, unpredictable PNW weather, and so many thoughtful details woven into their day—including a playful nod to one of their favorite places on earth, Disneyland.

This fairytale Roche Harbor wedding was filled with unforgettable moments and stunning backdrops.

When Lauren and Drew first met with me to talk about their wedding, I remember leaving our consult so excited. We had a ton in common, and I loved how relaxed and easygoing they both were. We ended up spending a full day together for their engagement session (which I still can’t believe I never blogged), and by the time their wedding rolled around, it felt like photographing old friends. One of the things that stood out right away was how much they loved Disney. Not just in a casual “the movies are cute” kind of way, but true Disneyland people—the kind who know the best snack route through the park and light up when they talk about the castle at night.

The fairytale Roche Harbor wedding theme was evident in every detail.

Because of that, they decided to incorporate subtle Disney touches throughout their Roche Harbor wedding, including lots of hidden Mickeys tucked into the details. There were tiny Mickey silhouettes in unexpected places—worked into the décor, nestled in some of the floral elements, and even hinted at in parts of their paper goods and reception pieces. It wasn’t over the top or theme-park literal; it was clever and charming, the kind of details that made their guests smile when they noticed them. As a fellow Disney lover, it felt like photographing a real-life fairytale set against one of the dreamiest backdrops in the Pacific Northwest.

Every corner of Roche Harbor contributed to the enchanting feel of this fairytale Roche Harbor wedding.

Roche Harbor is already one of my very favorite places to photograph weddings. The marina, the historic buildings, the gardens, and the way the light hits the harbor in the evening—everything about it feels like a destination wedding while still being close enough for guests to easily reach from Seattle. Lauren and Drew’s day, though, came with a twist: it was the very first rain we’d had all summer. It rained steadily leading up to their ceremony, and most couples would have been stressed, worried, or at least a little disappointed. But these two? They just rolled with it. They laughed, stayed relaxed, and trusted that everything would work out. And it did.

Right before the ceremony, the rain cleared. The staff at Roche Harbor Resort quickly moved everything back outside, and suddenly we had this soft, fresh light and clean, shiny walkways that made the whole place feel extra romantic. It felt a little bit like the universe (or maybe a certain magic mouse) was watching out for them. By the time they said their vows, the sky had opened up enough for everyone to sit outdoors, surrounded by all the beauty Roche Harbor is known for.

Guests were eager to witness the fairytale Roche Harbor wedding and the magic it promised.

Lauren and Drew were so easygoing and present all day long. They never let the weather rattle them, and because of that, their photos are filled with genuine laughter and real joy. I loved getting to know their friends and family, too. Their guests had such high spirits, cracking jokes, telling stories, and cheering them on from start to finish. One of my favorite parts was that Lauren’s brother was their DJ for the day—and he absolutely crushed it. He knew exactly what to play to get everyone out on the dance floor, and once the party started, it didn’t really stop.

The music at their fairytale Roche Harbor wedding perfectly matched the joyous atmosphere. Lauren’s brother was the wedding DJ for the night and it was an incredible party!

As the evening went on, we were gifted with one of the most incredible sunsets I’ve ever seen at Roche Harbor. The sky turned shades of pink, gold, and soft lavender over the marina, and I swear I took some of my all-time favorite sunset images that night. The light, the boats in the harbor, the silhouette of Lauren and Drew together—it was pure magic. It genuinely felt like the closing scene of a movie, the kind you’d watch roll over the credits at the end of a perfect Disney love story.

The Disney touches continued throughout the reception, with hidden Mickeys still making surprise appearances and little details that nodded to the couple’s love of the parks without ever feeling gimmicky. It was such a great example of how you can take something you love—like Disneyland—and weave it into your wedding day in a way that still feels elevated, timeless, and very “you.”

Looking back on Lauren and Drew’s Roche Harbor wedding, I think about the rain that turned into a beautiful evening, the way they smiled through every moment, the laughter of their guests, and those secret Mickeys tucked into their decor. I think about that unreal sunset over the harbor and how grateful I felt to be there documenting it all. It was one of those days that reminded me why I love what I do so much—a little bit of real life, a little bit of fairytale, and a whole lot of heart in one unforgettable place.

Reflecting on this fairytale Roche Harbor wedding brings warmth to my heart.